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Less than two weeks for Sefton nominations to this year’s City Region Culture & Creativity Awards

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Borough Of Culture, Front Page, Latest News
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.
Paul Curtis next to his Red Rum mural in Southport, commissioned as part of Sefton’s Borough of Culture celebrations for 2020.

Artists, arts organisations and community groups across Sefton are being reminded there are less than two weeks left to submit nominations in for the Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity Awards.

Nominations can be for creative individuals, organisations, groups or partnerships and can include the visual and the performing arts such as theatre, dance, music and opera. Photography, film and broadcast media, literature, museums, galleries and heritage and craft creations and projects can also be entered.

Significantly benefited

Nominees must either live, study and/or work in one of the City Region’s six boroughs or have created work or projects that have significantly benefited its residents and visitors and contributed to the development of the local economy.

Categories in this year’s awards include Artist and Arts Organisation of the Year, a Student Inspiration Award, The People’s Choice, and the Judges’ ‘Inspiration Award’ for significant contribution to Culture. There is also a range of Impact Awards for themes that include Health & Wellbeing, Environmental Sustainability, Improving Education & Learning and Sustainable Business in Arts.

Entries need to be submitted by Friday 12th November and must feature activity that took place have taken place between 13 November 2020 and 12 November 2021.

Creativity

When this year’s Awards were launched last month, Cllr Trish Hardy, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing said: “Despite all the problems and trials the pandemic has thrown at us and the effect it had on our year as the Borough of Culture, creativity has continued to thrive across Sefton.

“I would urge individual artists and organisations across Sefton to visit www.lcrcultureawards.co.uk  to find out more about the awards and categories and to submit nominations for the awards by the November deadline.”

Imagination

Announcing the Awards in October, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram said: “The Liverpool City Region is the country’s cultural capital; that creativity is in our DNA and we’ve seen it on full display over the past year. As we have emerged the pandemic, people across our region have stepped up with imagination, creativity and generosity that I know will help to lead our creative recovery.

“I’m sure this year’s awards, when we’re able to come together properly, celebrate our creative talent and recognise the resilience that got us through the pandemic, will be a memorable occasion for us all.”

The Liverpool City Region Culture and Creativity awards were created as part of the Metro Mayor’s Percent for Culture initiative. They were established to recognise the value and power for change that the arts, cultural and creative sector can bring in reinforcing the city region as one of the most vibrant and exciting places to live, work, study, visit or do business.

In 2020, Artist of the Year was awarded to Paul Curtis, who has recently completed the spectacular sand lizard mural at Ainsdale’s Toad Hall. The Atkinson in Southport picked up the People’s Choice for Outstanding Contribution to Culture and the Covid-19 Creative Response Impact Award.

Boots-on-the-ground approach kick starts vaccination rush in Sefton

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Health, Latest News
One of the boots-on-the-ground team out and about in L20
One of the boots-on-the-ground team out and about in L20

Sefton health bosses are hailing their boots-on-the-ground approach to boosting vaccination rates a success.

By the third of four planned days, drop-in vaccination slots being promoted at the Knowsley Road Pharmacy in Bootle were filling up and local people were making online and telephone appointments for jabs.

Information

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health said: “By going out and talking to people in parts of Sefton’s Derby and Linacre wards where numbers of people vaccinated were lower, we found people were keen to get their jabs but just needed more information.

“Some thought that because they had not been able to attend their vaccination appointment on the letter they had received, they had missed their chance while others were unclear where jabs were available.

“By going out to these areas, where we know people are juggling busy work and school lives and are less likely to engage with our social media and online messages, has provided the additional information people have needed to access the vaccinations that will enable them to protect themselves and others.

Sefton Council’s Covid Engagement Officers and members of its Swab Squad have been out, last week and this week, in Sefton’s L20 postcode area talking to residents and handing out flyers with details of how to access vaccinations.

Knowsley Road Pharmacy reported last week that they had been significantly busier and this week their sessions have filled up fast.

Lots of places

Dr Pete Chamberlain, local GP and chair of NHS South Sefton CCG, said: “Whether you need your first, second or booster jab there are lots of places to get your vaccination across Sefton as well as Knowsley Road.

“Anyone in Sefton aged 18 and over, can find a walk-in vaccination site or book a vaccination appointment at www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination or by calling 119 free.

“And those over 16 are also eligible and can book their first vaccine online or go to a walk-in session.

“Our vaccination sites at Netherton Health Centre, Seaforth Village Surgery and local pharmacies are also there to get you vaccinated and are busy which is great to hear so we are asking you to call and book a time slot before coming down.”

Vast majority

Margaret Jones reminded people that local COVID-19 infection rates remain high and the best way to keep them down is vaccinations. She added: “I am pleased that during this exercise, our teams have called at thousands of addresses and spoken to hundreds of people but have only encountered a handful who are opposed to the vaccines themselves, based upon the disinformation that has been spread.

“It is clear that with a little help, the vast majority of people are prepared to take the action required to protect themselves, their families their friends and colleagues.”

After the success of this initial exercise Sefton Council is considering other parts of the Borough where it might be repeated.

For appointments at nearby vaccination sites, people can call to book a time slot at:

  • Seaforth Village Surgery – 07979938229
  • Netherton Health Centre – 0151 247 6413
  • Davey’s Chemist – 0151 476 0007
  • Smarts Chemist – 0151 922 4984
  • Asda Pharmacy. Bootle – 0151 955 4120
  • Bridge Road Chemist – 0151 920 6361

Green Sefton highlights the importance of the coast in managing the impact of climate change

3 November 2021
Martin Driver
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Categories: Front Page, Green Sefton, Latest News
Aerial image of Southport coastline
Aerial image of Southport coastline

Climate predictions indicate that over the next century around 350m of the Sefton coastline could be lost to erosion and localised flooding could increase if action is not taken now.

That is why the Council’s Green Sefton Service is taking note of these latest predictions for coastal change, ensuring that its development and management plans mitigate as many of these risks as is possible.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing, said:

“Sea-level rise, increased storminess, changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures are all key factors in how the dynamics of our precious coastline could change over the next century.

“There is a very real risk that north of Southport at Marshside, our salt marshes will lose their ability to absorb wave energy as they gradually erode, and land drainage will also suffer.

“Our sea defences at Southport and Crosby will weaken and increased water levels may lead to more frequent localised flooding.

“Birkdale, Ainsdale, Formby and Hightown’s infamous dune systems could see increased rates of erosion and loss of vital dune habitats.

“The impact of climate change is not confined to textbooks anymore but could be felt by thousands of Sefton residents in the future if we don’t act now.

“That is why the Council is developing a new flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy and will continue to monitor the coastline as the lead representative for the whole of the north west region.

“We are also dedicated to undertaking habitat conservation works, alongside specialist partners, particularly on our dune systems to ensure the rare flora and fauna native to our coastline is protected.”

Image of crashing waves at the Sefton coast
Image of crashing waves at the Sefton coast

As the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA), Sefton Council’s new flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy will take into account these climate change predictions of rising sea levels, increased wave heights, coastal erosion and more common tidal flooding.

Sefton’s communities can get involved in shaping this plan for the future as they have a further two weeks to submit their views to a public consultation. People can take part online at www.YourSeftonYourSay.sefton.gov.uk and have up until Wednesday 17th November 2021.

Flood and erosion events can affect not only those living in coastal and high-risk areas, but also transport networks, schools, highways and local businesses. They can also have detrimental environmental impacts on rare habitats and species.  

Sefton Council is dedicated to producing a management strategy that is fit-for-purpose and recognises the increasing challenges of the climate emergency and where targeted and risk-based investment is needed.

The new strategy will outline the clear roles and responsibilities of not only the Council, but other risk management authorities who work closely alongside Sefton Council including the Environment Agency, United Utilities, Highways England and the Canal and River Trust.

The public consultation includes the opportunity for the draft flood and coastal erosion risk management strategy, and associated business plan, to be viewed in full, followed by a short survey to gather thoughts from residents.

* The climate predictions quoted in this article have been put together by Sefton Council’s Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management officers using the UKCP18  climate analysis tool: https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/research/approach/collaboration/ukcp/about

Share your views on plans for Crosby’s town centre at drop-in event tomorrow, Wednesday 3rd November, from 2pm to 7pm

2 November 2021
Amy Hitchmough
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Local Consultation

Crosby residents and visitors are being invited to have their say on plans to Crosby’s town centre at a drop-in event from 2pm to 7pm tomorrow (Wednesday 3rd November), at St. Luke’s Church, Crosby, L23 5SE.

Organised by Sefton Council’s Regeneration Team, the event is a chance for people to share their views, ask questions and discuss the Council’s plan for regenerating Crosby’s historic town centre.

Improvements to car parks, highways and junctions, and town centre access are all part of the proposed regeneration plan for Crosby.

A public consultation to gain the views of people who live, work and visit Crosby is already underway. The online survey where people can share their thoughts can be found at yourseftonyoursay.sefton.gov.uk/ until Sunday 7th November.

Those without internet access, can give feedback over the phone by calling 0345 140 0845.

Cllr Fairclough, Cabinet Member for Locality Services at Sefton Council, said: “The Council is committed to listening to valued feedback and I strongly encourage people to come along tomorrow to ask questions and share their views.

“The drop-in event is a fantastic opportunity for people to help shape the future of Crosby and plans to regenerate and develop the town centre.”

Originally, a plan for regeneration in Crosby was developed by the Council and following consultation was approved in 2015.

Sefton celebrates first year of progress towards net zero carbon target

2 November 2021
Bridie Finnan
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Categories: Front Page, Latest News, Uncategorized

As COP26 comes to the UK, Sefton Council has published its Climate Emergency Annual Report, confirming a whopping 10% reduction in total emissions in just one year. 2030 Pledge

The fall was driven by the move away from office working and into home working. This led to a 92% fall in staff commute emissions and a fall in gas and electricity emissions in Council owned buildings. Sefton have chosen to report the emissions that staff produce whilst working from home in order to report a more accurate picture but the reductions in emissions were evident.

The Council are working to embed an agile/home working approach in future to maintain these carbon emissions reductions.

The report highlights key projects that have been started this year which would see a further 17% reduction in the Council’s carbon footprint upon completion including LED Street Lighting and retrofit works at Bootle and Southport Town Halls.

In addition to those measures which have reduced carbon consumption, Sefton Council have planted over 3000 trees which, in time, will reduce the amount of carbon in our atmosphere and contribute further net carbon reductions.

The 2030 target, which was set out in Sefton Council’s Climate Emergency declaration in 2019, is ambitious but critical to preventing further damage to our climate. All Council decision making reports now have to consider climate implications and training has been developed for all staff to ensure that all areas of the Council are on board with this ambitious but necessary work.

 

Cllr Paulette Lappin, Cabinet Member for Regulatory and Corporate Services said:

“I am delighted to see the results of this years Climate Emergency Annual Report, it is testament to the hard work of everyone at the Council to have seen such a huge reduction in our carbon footprint and to see we are on track to reach that critical date of net zero carbon by 2030.

“The pandemic has forced us to change the way we live and work and it has been difficult at times, but there are some positives to draw from our experience and I hope we can maintain some of the positive climate impacts that have been seen over the past year.

“A 27% reduction in emissions when this years projects have been completed is so encouraging and I hope we can keep up the momentum as we move into next year. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate COP26 in the UK than with this fantastic progress towards our target.”

 

As the UK plays host to COP26, Sefton are celebrating all aspects of its wonderful coastline, the health and wellbeing benefits to climate action and its fantastic progress against its climate targets.

You can find further information on Sefton’s Climate Emergency progress at Sefton Council’s website

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